The
northern areas of BC have much to offer adventurers from all walks
of life; the Alaska Highway acts as a stepping stone to the Muskwa-Kechika
(pronounced musk-quah ke-chee-kah) area of The Northern Rockies.
This wilderness area is often referred to as the Serengeti of the
north. A land where the boreal plains of the east meet the mountains
of the west provides a diversity of habitats. This 4.4 million hectares
allows plenty of room for the abundant elk, moose, stone sheep and
mountain goat that roam the area.

Its
remoteness has enabled large predators such as grizzly bear and
wolves to maintain healthy populations. This gives all the key ingredients
for a healthy ecosystem with global significance. The provincial
government has created a consensus based planning process that is
designed to involve all stakeholders. It is hoped that this process
will provide clear objectives to protect the historical and natural
resources in this area. With the creation of 11 new protected areas
totaling more than one million hectares and special management of
the land between, the wilderness and wildlife habitat will be maintained
while still allowing for environmentally sensitive resource extraction.

The cultural and heritage in the area is also significant. For thousands
of years First Nations have been hunting, gathering and fishing
in the area. There also are many historical features in the area
such as the old Hudson Bay Trading Posts, the Davie Trail (a historic
wagon trail from the early 1900s) and historic voyager portage trails.
The Kaska Dena refer to the area as Dena Kéyih (pronounced
den-ah key-ah), which means "people's land"

Grayling
from Frog River

The
Wildlife

Although
the climate is harsh in the winter, wildlife populations are unparalleled
compared to anywhere else in BC. It is estimated that there are 4,000
caribou, 15,000 elk, 22,000 moose and 7,000 stone sheep living in
the area. On trips you can expect to see black and grizzly bears as
well as coyotes, wolves, wolverines and cougars. If you're a birder
you can expect to see sharp-tailed, ruffled and blue grouse and several
species of ptarmigan. Wetlands along the river provide habitat for
loons, the Canada and snow goose, trumpeter swan and a variety of
ducks including mallards, blue-winged teals and buffleheads. Predator
species include the northern goshawk, golden eagle, bald eagle, gyrfalcon,
great horned owl and kestrels, while songbirds like the European starling;
yellow-headed blackbird and several species of waxwings also live
in the region. As there is little information on this area you can
come and help discover new species.

Exploring

Remoteness
has restricted development of natural resources just as it has preserved
the wilderness. This also means accessing this area can be challenging.
Rivers are considered the highways into the wilderness by many. Most
historical explorations have used rivers. So take that heavy pack
of your back, hop into a raft and follow their example.

Racing
River Slick Rock Canyon

Rafting

The
carrying capacity and safety of today's rafts allows for safe and
comfortable exploration of areas once thought inaccessible. Look for
safety standards such as government-certified guides, swift water
rescue, wilderness first aid and cooking skills. If you are looking
for a quality ecotour make sure the company follows an environmental
ethic, has guides with experience in the area and a background resource
management.

The alternatives are to fly into one of the local communities such
as Fort Nelson, Watson Lake or Dease Lake with a commercial airline.
From here local operators will meet you and arrange for a floatplane
to fly into this remote area. Driving the Alaska highway is also an
interesting way to see the country but you must leave sufficient time
as distances are great.

The
Rivers

Turnagain
/ Kechicka

This
river is one of the favorites with rafters. It has all the qualities
of a true remote expedition: untouched wilderness, a little history,
and a true sense of pioneering and stunning scenery. It has the honor
of being named a Canadian Heritage river due to its unique qualities
and definitely lives up to this title.

Starting at Boulder City, (a historic Jade mining community) the crystal
clear waters flow from near the Spatsizi plateau through the Cassiar
range where wildlife is as abundant as the soaring peaks above. On
your journey down the river you will marvel at the amount of fish
you can see in the clear waters. Enjoy fishing for bull trout up to
20lbs and grayling as big as 5lbs . . . this is an angler's dream
come true.
Eventually you arrive at the magnificent Turnagain falls. After a
fairly grueling portage the trip continues on to the world famous
Liard Hot Springs.

Frog
Lake, Northern Rockies

Gataga
and Kechika

The
Gataga and Kechika are new kids on the block as far as river trips
are concerned. In the heart of the Muskwa Kechika some areas have
recently received protected status.
There are guided trips offered on this remote and seldom traveled
river. The area surrounding the watershed offers a glimpse into what
Banff and Jasper may have looked like in the 1800s. Plan a river-rafting
trip and see this pristine wilderness in a raw and nature state.

Tuchodi

If
a float plane ride into a game rich, remote alpine lake with nothing
but time on your hands, combined with stories of an old WW II payroll
plane crash sounds like interesting stuff to you look no further.
We don't need to even mention the 70-year-old cabin where Hudson Bay
robbers hung out with their loot.
Just recently given status as a BC Provincial Park it plays a vital
role to the Muskwa Kechika special management area. Although this
area is still in the beginning stages of protection it still contains
the wonders it has held for thousands of years.

Northern
BC is a remote and nature region of the province. Enjoy river-rafting
at its finest with a guided and experienced company, which will take
you and your party of adventurers into majestic country covered by
miles and miles of forests, dotted by beautiful pristine lakes, streams
and rushing rivers. Enjoy an adventure of a lifetime!